How to Grow Watercress in the Garden

Watercress is often used in salads or soups.

Watercress is a peppery-tasting plant that can be harvested nearly all year long. The plant requires a lot of water -- to successfully grow watercress, be prepared to ensure its constant saturation in water. The hardy plant is most potent before the plant blooms, and the flavor is generally considered at its best during times of low temperatures. Aside from its irrigation necessities, watercress is a relatively low-maintenance option for your home garden.

Things You'll Need

• Organic matter
• Soil
• Water
• Seeds

Instructions

1. Select a sunny planting site with a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.5. To raise the pH of soil, add lime, and to lower it add sulfur.

2. Add composted organic matter to the soil prior to planting. Incorporate the organic matter 6 to 8 inches deep.

3. Sow seeds about 1/4-inch deep about three weeks before the final frost of the spring season. Allow about 8 inches between plants.

4. Keep the soil thoroughly saturated with water. Plant the seeds either next to an existing water feature that wets the soil, in a creek bed or in a pot that is set in standing water.

5. Weed the area surrounding the plants as needed. Use mulch to reduce the likelihood of weeds -- mulch also helps the soil maintain moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Watercress has a low nutritional requirement and generally does not need to be fertilized.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Watercress in the Garden